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PMS, PMDD and the GP
Summary
If PMS or PMDD symptoms are disrupting your daily life, your GP can help diagnose and manage them - but preparation makes all the difference. This guide explains when to seek medical advice, how to track your symptoms for at least two cycles, and what to expect at your appointment. It also offers practical tips for finding a GP experienced in hormonal health, preparing questions, and advocating for yourself if your concerns are not taken seriously.
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🌿 Key takeaways
Talking to your GP about PMS and PMDD: what to know
- If PMS or PMDD symptoms are affecting your daily life, work, or relationships, a GP appointment is the right next step
- Tracking symptoms daily for at least two cycles before your appointment is the single most useful thing you can do
- Look for a GP with RCOG after their name, or ask reception if anyone at the practice has experience in hormonal or female health
- If your appointment does not go well, you are entitled to a second opinion, a referral, or to register with a different practice
- Additional support from charities such as Mind and IAPMD, and from people close to you, can make a significant difference
PMS and PMDD: an overview
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) can cause over 150 different physical, psychological, and behavioural symptoms. Around 75% of people who menstruate notice symptoms of PMS, and 3 to 8% experience PMDD.
If the symptoms of PMS or PMDD are impacting your quality of life, you can visit your GP for advice, support, or medical treatment. Knowing when to make an appointment, what to do beforehand, and what you want to get from it can help you feel more prepared and in greater control of your health.
When to see a GP
A clinical diagnosis of PMS relies on the timing and severity of symptoms. Specifically, they must be physical, psychological, and behavioural; cause significant impairment; and occur only during the luteal phase - the time between ovulation and the start of your period. These symptoms may affect your work, social life, or ability to complete day-to-day tasks.
⚠️ Worth noting: You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable before making an appointment. If your symptoms are regularly affecting how you function - at work, in relationships, or day to day - that is reason enough to seek support.
How to recognise PMS and PMDD
PMS symptoms fall into three categories:
- Physical symptoms - such as painful breasts, abdominal bloating, or acne
- Psychological symptoms - including low mood, anxiety, mood swings, or irritability
- Behavioural symptoms - including difficulty concentrating, brain fog, or aggression
Symptoms typically worsen in the week or two before your period and then gradually ease in the days after it arrives.
PMDD is an intense form of PMS that causes extreme distress, disrupts daily activities, affects the ability to work, and puts personal relationships under significant pressure. Many PMDD symptoms are psychiatric - which is why some people have been misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, or personality disorders.
A specific combination of at least five symptoms, including at least one mood-related symptom, occurring in the luteal phase is required to diagnose PMDD.
🧠 In simple terms: Some conditions such as thyroid disease or low mood can mimic PMS. Even if your symptoms do not follow a perfectly cyclical pattern, it is still worth seeking medical advice. Your GP can rule out other causes and recommend appropriate treatment.
How to prepare for your GP appointment
A little preparation before the appointment helps give your GP a clear picture of your symptoms and lifestyle - which means a more accurate diagnosis and a better management plan.
Make the appointment right for you
If you are more comfortable seeing a female GP, do not hesitate to request this when you book. Ask the reception staff whether anyone at the practice has specific experience in female or hormonal health.
It can also be helpful to check the practice website before calling. Look for GPs with the letters RCOG after their name - this indicates training and qualification under the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. It is not the only route to expertise, but it is a useful starting point.
Keep a symptom diary
Your GP will ask a lot of questions about your cycle. Keeping a daily diary for two consecutive menstrual cycles is the single most important thing you can do before your appointment - and is crucial for a diagnosis of PMS or PMDD.
Write down the first day of your period and document how you feel each day for the rest of the month. Record the nature of your symptoms (cramps, low mood, bloating, anxiety), how they affect your work and personal life, and how severe they feel on a scale - for example, low mood at a 6 out of 10 one day and a 2 out of 10 the next.
📅 Track with Evelyn: Use The Evelyn Premenstrual Health Tracker - a free, printable daily symptom log designed in a format you can take directly to your GP. 🔗 Find out more about how to track your cycle
Speak to family members
If possible, ask relatives whether they have experienced PMS or PMDD symptoms. There is evidence that genetics may be a contributing factor, and this information can support your diagnosis.
Note your medical history
Make a note of any other medical conditions, prescribed or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies you take. Also note any PMS or PMDD treatments you have already tried, and whether they helped.
Ask for support
Some people find it helpful to bring a friend or family member to their appointment. If this would make you feel more comfortable, arrange a date and time that works for them.
Questions to ask your doctor
It is easy to forget things in the moment. Having a list of questions ready helps you leave with the information you need. Your questions will depend on your personal circumstances, but here are some to consider:
- What treatment would you recommend to ease my symptoms?
- How long might I need treatment for?
- Does the treatment have any risks or side effects?
- Will treatment affect my ability to get pregnant now or in future?
- Are there alternative treatments available?
- Can I manage PMS without medication?
- Do I need to continue keeping a symptom diary?
- Could something else be causing my symptoms, and do I need any tests?
- Could I benefit from a referral to a gynaecologist with a specialist interest in PMS?
- When should I book a follow-up appointment?
What if your appointment does not go as expected?
PMS and PMDD are sometimes misunderstood, even by healthcare professionals. If you feel disappointed or dismissed after your appointment, it is important to seek a second opinion.
Every GP has different areas of expertise. There may be another GP at your practice who can better support you - or you may want to register with a different surgery nearby. You can also ask your GP for a referral to a specialist gynaecology department. In some cases this may be available on the NHS; in others a private referral may be necessary.
If you want to find a specialist PMS doctor independently, searching online for a PMS clinic near you is a good starting point. These are typically run by specialist gynaecologists in private hospitals across the UK. It is also worth checking with your employer whether medical insurance is offered as an employee benefit.
🌿 Good to know: You are entitled to a second opinion. You are entitled to a referral. And you are entitled to be taken seriously. If your first appointment does not result in the support you need, do not give up - the right care is available.
Where to find additional support
Correct medical management can lead to a dramatic improvement in symptoms - but you may also benefit from wider support. If you have been living with PMS or PMDD for a long time, it may have affected your career, mental health, self-esteem, and personal relationships.
Your GP may refer you to a counsellor, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist. Alternatively you may wish to access psychological support privately. Charities including Mind and the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) offer a wealth of information and support relating to PMS, PMDD, and emotional wellbeing.
The support of family, friends, colleagues, and others close to you can also make a significant difference. If you feel able to, having an open and honest conversation about your symptoms, needs, and any helpful adjustments can be empowering for everyone involved.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional about any health concerns.
